North San Antonio Edition | July 2023

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 10 JULY 27AUG. 23, 2023

HOME EDITION 2023

Check out the dinosaurs at the Witte Museum

VIA Metropolitan Transit rolls out electric buses

HOME EDITION 2023 SPONSORED BY • City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District

Protesting appraisals

Hollywood Park resident Amy Bohlke and her husband, Christopher, are protesting their 2023 home appraisal citing wood paneling and popcorn ceilings as examples of their home’s outdated features and lower value. (Edmond Ortiz/Community Impact)

Learn about the Northview Apartments

Homeowners seek property tax relief through protests

$408,130, despite the fact that noth- ing about the property had changed in the past year, Bohlke said. Their story is similar across much of Bexar County, where average home values rose by almost 11% from the previous year, according to Bexar Appraisal District data. While single-family residen- tial values continue rising in the San Antonio area, the appraisal district’s preliminary gures for 2023 are lower than the

average 28% jump many local tax- payers countywide saw in 2022. Taxable values result in rev- enues the taxing entities use to mainly support basic services. Scott Griscom, the Bexar Appraisal District’s assistant chief appraiser, told Community Impact that this year values in the local residential real estate market are calming down compared with last year when, Griscom said, many CONTINUED ON 14

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

BY EDMOND ORTIZ

In 2022, Amy Bohlke and her husband, Christopher, were told their Hollywood Park home had a value of $375,000. This year, the appraised value rose by 8.8% to

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THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM EDITOR Tricia Schwennesen REPORTER Edmond Ortiz GRAPHIC DESIGNER Brendan Rodriguez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jaime Rubio METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jaselle Luna MANAGING EDITOR Miranda Jaimes MANAGING COPY EDITOR Beth Marshall ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 3522 Paesanos Parkway, Ste. 304, San Antonio, TX 78231 • 8669896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES nsanews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING nsaads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM JASELLE: I’m that plant person. I catch myself getting distracted before walking into H-E-B, and I love to visit the plant nurseries early Saturday morning. It’s the little things that bring our home some joy and happiness. This issue is our annual Home Edition, and we’ve included some relevant and helpful ideas to renovate, redecorate and refresh the inside and outside of the home. Maybe it’s a fresh paint job, new ooring, or—if you’re like me—you like to “stop and smell the roses.” Literally. Jaselle Luna, PUBLISHER

FROM TRICIA: Last year I suered a bit of sticker shock when the appraisal on my very modest home arrived in the mail. And this year was no dierent. Appraisal values have continued to climb, but fewer protests have been led with the Bexar Appraisal District this year compared to 2022. In this month’s front-page story, reporter Edmond Ortiz takes a look at recent appraisals, why homeowners are protesting and what cities are doing to reduce the burden of high property taxes for residents. Tricia Schwennesen, EDITOR

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION • JULY 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

STONE OAK

Image Studios

Heroes and Fantasies

COURTESY IMAGE STUDIOS

COURTESY HEROES AND FANTASIES

8 Zulia’s Kitchen, a food truck offering Venezuelan and other Latin Ameri- can food, was expected to open its brick-and-mortar restaurant July 25 at 16111 San Pedro Ave., Ste. 117, in Holly- wood Park’s Galleria Oaks retail center. The food truck operates near The Universi- ty of Texas at San Antonio. 737-333-5818. www.facebook.com/zuliaskitchent COMING SOON 9 Officials with Montessori Kids Universe announced June 7 they will open the second San Antonio location in Stone Oak at 24170 N. US 281 this fall. According to a news release, Montes- sori Kids Universe is a family of early childhood preschools serving infants though kindergartners, blending the Montessori teaching style of learning and collaborative play with MKU’s proprietary enrichment curriculum called DaVinci Kids. Representatives said the Stone Oak location is a recently acquired space and is undergoing a renovation. MKU has more than 15 locations, including one near Shavano Park. 210-888-9952. www.montessorikidsuniverse.com/ our-schools/mku-stone-oak 10 Heroes and Fantasies, which offers a variety of comic books, toys, games and pop culture collectibles, will open in a third San Antonio-area store at 13013 San Pedro Ave. Rep- resentatives have not provided an opening date other than saying the new store will open later this summer. www.heroesandfantasies.com

Commerce held a June 19 ribbon-cut- ting and grand opening ceremony for Pilates Studio 210 at 21134 N. US 281, Ste. 102, San Antonio. The new Stone Oak-area studio is owned by senior instructor Karen Alanis, who has 20-plus years of experience training within the Romana’s Pilates organization, an extension of the Pilates mind-body exercise technique. 210-314-5250. www.pilatesstudio210.com 5 The North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony July 20 for Texas Regional Bank’s first San Antonio banking center at 18640 Blanco Road. Having originated in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas Regional Bank has several banking centers statewide, offering a full range of banking services. 210-756-5300. www.texasregionalbank.com 6 Vari, an office furniture store at 8000 W. I-10, Ste. 201, San Antonio, held a ribbon-cutting and grand opening cere- mony with the North San Antonio Cham- ber of Commerce on July 12. Vari offers a variety of flexible workspace furniture, such as height-adjustable sit-stand desk converters, electric standing desks, office chairs and lighting. Visits to Vari San Antonio’s showroom can be scheduled by appointment only. 210-842-5859. www.vari.com 7 Image Studios opened in San Antonio on June 15 near Stone Oak at 946 N. Loop 1604 W., Ste. 100. Image Studios provides studio salon spaces equipped for independent hair stylists, barbers, estheticians, mas- sage therapists, medical spa profes- sionals, nail technicians and others in the beauty business. 210-760-2557. www.imagestudios360.com/stone-oak-tx

281

1604

3 7

HOLLYWOOD PARK

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

NOW OPEN 1 Escape Room San Antonio opened in a second location in Stone Oak at 700 E. Sonterra Blvd., Ste. 206, on July 15. Escape Room offers four private rooms—including a space encoun- ter and a Mayan tomb theme—where visitors can spend one hour immersing themselves in mystery, adventure, riddles, puzzles or games. Escape Room also has a Bandera Road location. 210-405-7579. www.escaperoomsa.com/ escape-room-san-antonio-stone-oak 2 Chicken Express opened in its first San Antonio location April 17 at 24819 N. US 281. The Mineral Wells, Tex-

as-based fast-food chain offers various fried chicken dishes as well as fried fish. 210-332-9225. www.chickene.com 3 The first Texas location of La Carnice- ria Meat Market, a Los Angeles-based butcher shop, opened in North San An- tonio on July 1 at 946 N. Loop 1604 W., Ste. 140, near Stone Oak. La Carniceria has seven storefronts in California. La Carniceria offers a variety of prime meats. Representatives of La Carniceria an- nounced in July 2022 that they were ex- panding their premium butcher shop con- cept nationwide to four new locations, including San Antonio. 210-267-1918. www.lacarniceriameatmarket.com 4 The North San Antonio Chamber of

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THROUGH SEPT. 4

DISCOVER DINOSAURS WITTE MUSEUM

The Witte Museum is hosting the exhibit, “Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family,” which features rare fossil specimens and cast skeletons—including “Scotty,” one of the most complete T. rex skeletons on record. Mon., Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tue. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. Surcharge of $10 in addition to museum admission. 3801 Broadway St., San Antonio. www.wittemuseum.org

COURTESY THE WITTE MUSEUM

Mr. Ramen serves up various ramen dishes, including tonkotsu ramen.

COURTESY MR. RAMEN

FEATURED EVENTS

FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN Mr. Ramen opened in June at the Galleria Oaks shopping center, 16111 San Pedro Ave., Ste. 116, Hollywood Park. Mr. Ramen focuses on Korean and Asian fusion cuisine, oering Japanese ramen and other noodle dishes such as yakisoba and udon noodles, rice bowls, salads, folded kimbap—a square rice sandwich that can also include spam—and

JULY 30 WATCH A MUSICAL Barshop Jewish Community Center of San Antonio will host staged readings of “Finding Helena,” an original musical written by local residents. 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. $10-$45. 12500 NW Military Hwy., San Antonio. www.jccsanantonio.org/events

AUGUST 01 MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD San Antonio’s Department of Human Services is collecting input on naming the Walker Ranch Senior Center dining hall in honor of former District 9 City Council Member Joe Krier and former Bexar County Judge Cyndi Krier. 6-7 p.m. Free (admission). 835 W. Rhapsody Drive, San Antonio. 210-207-7172. www.sa.gov

appetizers, such as edamame, gyoza, kimchi, soy tofu and tempura shrimp. 210-362-1126. www.instagram.com/ mr.ramen_sa

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION • JULY 2023

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

COMPILED BY EDMOND ORTIZ

The rst all-electric buses in VIA Metropolitan Transit’s eet hit the streets of San Antonio beginning June 5. According to a news release, VIA acquired eight elec- tric buses from California-based manufacturer Gillig in December. VIA ocials said the eight buses are initially being rotated across four routes, one of which carries passengers to and from stops along Blanco Road between Loop 1604 and US 281 near Stone Oak and downtown San Antonio. The release states the 40-foot buses have no tailpipe emissions, feature several amenities, can sit 38 riders, and can be fully charged in four hours or less. The new buses are nicknamed “Arc” for arc discharge, referencing the electrical breakdown of a gas that produces a prolonged electrical discharge, VIA ocials said. According to the release, the new electric buses are included in VIA’s sustainable vehicle eet that totals nearly 500 buses fueled by compressed natural gas. VIA ocials said data collected from how the electric buses perform on their routes will be analyzed to deter- mine future routes and maximize usage. VIA President and CEO Jerey Arndt said growing the number of his agency’s sustainable vehicles will help the organization reduce overall vehicle emissions. VIA rolls out 8 all-electric buses across San Antonio

ONGOING PROJECTS

CHARGED AND READY TO GO VIA Metropolitan Transit has begun using eight all-electric buses, initially on four San Antonio service routes. All- electric buses feature the following capabilities:

BLANCO RD.

TRADESMAN DR.

1604

LOCKHILL SELMA RD.

No tailpipe emissions

281

Fully chargeable in four hours or less

Loop 1604 expansion Contractors tied to improvements of Loop 1604 worked May, June into July toward upgrading the over- pass at Blanco Road, widening main lanes between Lockhill-Selma Road and Blanco Road, and demolish- ing the existing Tradesman Drive bridge. The project will grow Loop 1604 from four to 10 lanes, add one high-occupancy vehicle lane in each direction, and add recongured entrance and exit ramps. Timeline: May 2021-TBD Cost: $1.3 billion Funding source: Texas Department of Transportation

150-mile range before recharging

38-seat rider capacity

USB charging ports at every seat

4 initial routes , including Route 2 Blanco Road

SOURCE: VIA METROPOLITAN TRANSITCOMMUNITY IMPACT

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JULY 20. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT NSANEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

VIA Metropolitan Transit put eight new all-electric buses into circulation in June. (Courtesy VIA Metropolitan Transit)

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CITY & SCHOOLS

News from Hollywood Park and North East and Northside ISDs

COMPILED BY EDMOND ORTIZ

Bexar County Commissioners Court will meet Aug. 8 at 9 a.m. at the Bexar County Courthouse, 100 Dolorosa St., Ste. 2.01, San Antonio. 210-335-2011. www.bexar.org Hill Country Village City Council will meet Aug. 17 at 5 p.m. at 116 Aspen Place, Hill Country Village. MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS HOLLYWOOD PARK City Council voted June 20 to recognize golf cart permits issued by the neighboring city of Hill Country Village. Hollywood Park police Chief Shad Prichard said some Hill Country Village residents drive their golf carts to visit Hollywood Park’s community facilities, such as Voigt Park. Prichard said Hill Country Village officials will likely consider changing their golf cart rules to accommodate Hollywood Park. SHAVANO PARK Local officials July 1 unveiled improvements to the City Hall nature trail. In 2022, residents David and Arlene Starr gave the city $10,000 to support trail improvements in memory of their daughter, Lisa Starr Rosenstein, a running enthusiast who died in a hit-and-run incident May 2, 2021. NUMBER TO KNOW Midpoint pay increase that all Northside ISD staff will get in 2023-2024. Additionally, classroom teachers and other employee groups will get a $2,000 pay hike. 3%

State addresses chronic wasting disease in deer HOLLYWOOD PARK Texas Parks & Wildlife Department representatives said they are working with town DISEASED DEER

Affects deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer and moose in some areas of North America, Norway and South Korea Causes symptoms such as drastic weight loss, stumbling and listlessness Is fatal as there are no treatments or vaccines Poses no risk to humans but does pose a risk to certain primates, including monkeys

Trustees approve nearly $35M in raises NORTH EAST ISD Trustees on June 12 approved a nearly $35 million compensation package as part of the district’s biggest salary increase for all staff in more than 20 years. District officials said the 2023-24 school year compensation package includes a one-time 2% retention supplement for all eligible employees. NEISD officials said returning teachers and librarians will see their respective salaries realigned with cur- rent market pay grades, adding other employee groups, such as bus drivers, custodians and nurses, will receive similar market pay adjustments. elk, reindeer, sika deer and moose in various parts of North America, Norway and South Korea. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it may take more than one year before officials on next steps after the state agency confirmed a case of chronic wasting disease, or CWD, in a white- tailed deer in Hollywood Park. Hollywood Park’s most recent deer committee meeting held July 10 included a TPWD presentation on chronic wasting disease. Hollywood Park Deer Manager Randy Tomasini said June 1 he was contacted by the TPWD about the local case of CWD, which affects deer,

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department is investigating a case of chronic wasting disease found in a Hollywood Park deer. CWD is fatal and causes neurologic issues in animals.

SOURCE: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

an infected animal develops symp- toms, which can include weight loss, stumbling, listlessness and other neurologic symptoms. CWD is fatal to animals, and there are no treatments or vaccines. In a message to Hollywood Park residents, Tomasini said this is the first time CWD has been confirmed in

an urban setting. TPWD officials said they will

Stone Oak Park upgrades planned SAN ANTONIO City officials are planning improvements at Stone Oak Park with $750,000 that was set aside in the city’s voter-ap- proved 2022 bond. District 9 City Council Member John Courage and the city public works department held a public meeting about proposed park upgrades June 26 at Parman Library at Stone Oak. Preliminary plans call for turning the park’s North Loop trail into a concrete path and main- taining the trail width consistency. Design work is expected to begin this summer, officials said. implement containment measures to prevent the disease’s spread and pro- vide recommendations on mitigating transmission in town, where the posi- tive deer was captured in late January as part of an effort to reduce over- abundant deer populations.

HIGHER PAY North East ISD’s nearly

$35 million pay package contains key salary hikes for employees:

One-time retention supplement for those who worked at least 90 days in 2022-23 Eligible hourly employees get a 6% increase Eligible salaried employees get a 4% hike from midpoint of their proposed pay ranges Market pay adjustment for returning teachers and librarians, bus drivers, custodians, general and special education assistants All eligible employees get a 2% retention incentive

210-494-3671 • www.hcv.org Hollywood Park City Council will meet Aug. 15 at 6 p.m. at 2 Mecca Drive, Hollywood Park. 210-494-2023. www.hollywoodpark-tx.gov San Antonio City Council

will meet Aug. 3, 10 and 17 at 9 a.m. at 114 W. Commerce St., San Antonio. 210-207-7040 • www.sanantonio.gov

SOURCE: NORTH EAST ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION • JULY 2023

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HOME EDITION

COMMUNITY IMPACT IS PROUD TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR

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REAL ESTATE DATA

COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER

2022-23 North San Antonio real estate market at a glance Year over year, the suburbs of northern San Antonio have seen a decrease in the number of homes sold. Each ZIP code within the area had an increase in the average sales price and the days on market, meaning values have been increasing while home sales have been decreasing compared to the previous year.

281

78230 78231 78232 78248

78258 78259 78260

1604

SOURCES: SAN ANTONIO BOARD OF DIRECTORS, FREDDIE MACCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Number of homes sold

Average days on market

June 2021-May 2022

June 2022-May 2023

June 2021-May 2022

June 2022-May 2023

78230

78231

78232

78248

78258

78259

78260

78230

78231

78232

78248

78258

78259

78260

National mortgage rate data After staying relatively at the rst two years of the pandemic, mortgage rates have sharply risen since early 2022, peaking Nov. 10 of last year before seeing some decline the last six months. 30-year xed-rate mortgage 15-year xed-rate mortgage

Average home sales price

June 2021-May 2022

June 2022-May 2023

$455,737 $417,813 +9.08% $515,193 $557,533 +7.59% $412,738 $395,725 +4.3%

$538,553 $505,803 +6.47% $536,599 $517,840 +3.62%

$453,111 $411,973 +9.99% $579,610 $519,475 +11.58%

6.48%

3.72%

3.22%

2.65%

5.73%

0 2%

3.16%

2.16%

2.43%

January 2020

January 2021

January 2022

January 2023

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INSIDE INFORMATION

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RATE CHANGES The Federal Reserve can combat ination by increasing interest rates or stimulate the economy by lowering them. Over the past 20 years, the rate has uctuated between 0% and 5.25%.

Peak interest rates

2003 After the 2001 recession, interest rates begin to climb up as the economy recovers.

As market values have decreased over the last year, interest rate increases from the Federal Reserve System Federal Open Markets Committee have continued. Interest rate increases occurred after almost every meeting of the group for the past 14 months. HOW IS YOUR INTEREST RATE DETERMINED? When applying for a mortgage or other type of loan, the federal funds rate serves as the baseline for determining an interest rate. FEDERAL FUNDS RATE Current rate target: 5%-5.25%* What is it? This is the interest rate banks use to lend money to each other overnight. Banks are legally required to keep a certain percentage of their customers’ money on reserve, prompting banks to aim for keeping enough money on reserve without going under their limit. Why change the rate? This is used by the Federal Reserve to both control the supply of money available and keep ination in check. As the rate goes up, it becomes more expensive to borrow money or take out a loan. *AS OF JUNE 14

2022 The Federal Reserve begins ratcheting up rates in response to record ination.

2020 In response to the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, rates are again slashed to eectively zero.

2008 In response to the 2008 Great Recession, interest rates are slashed.

SOURCES: FEDERAL RESERVE, CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU, FREDDIE MACCOMMUNITY IMPACT

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION • JULY 2023

GUIDE

CLOSEUP

For more home improvement tips visit communityimpact.com.

COMPILED BY SAMARA PENNY

2023 HOME EDITION

Visit the Northview Apartment Homes

HOME IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

MAINTAINING YOUR HOME

The National Association of Home Builders oers routine home maintenance tips for homeowners looking to maintain their homes’ value and ensure their safety.

ASK AN AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING EXPERT

BY EDMOND ORTIZ

Find other useful homeownership tips at www.nahb.org.

Evetta Soma is the marketing coordinator for Tiger Services Air Conditioning and Heating. The A/C and heating company has been in business since 1978.

Northview Apartment Homes, a multi-family aordable residential development located at 23142 US 281 in north San Antonio, oers residents amenities, including access to a nearby city park, schools and shopping and dining opportunities. Indiana-based developer Pedcor Cos. began leasing units at Northview Apartment Homes in September following two years of construction. Apartments are dedicated to households earning 30%-60% of the area median income, which is $88,600 for a family of four in the San Antonio, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 1 Northview features one-, two- and three-bedroom oor plans with square footages ranging from 798-1,141, and include a private patio or balcony. 2 Residents can take advantage of the apartment com- plex’s swimming pool that includes space to lounge un- der a pergola, a covered picnic pavilion and a clubhouse. 3 Northview residents may also access optional cov- ered parking.

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO MAINTAIN AC SYSTEMS DURING THE SUMMER? I think probably one of the biggest ones that seems like a small thing is just taking advantage of smart systems. A lot of people have Nest and home systems, and there’s a range of settings that you can use. For example, the A/C can go up a little bit higher while you’re gone, or something like that. You should also do routine maintenance as well, and some A/C companies oer that. So, keeping up with that and making sure you do the small things rst before you get to that major issue will help so that you’re not dishing out a lot of money. Evetta Soma Marketing Coordinator Tiger Services Air Conditioning and Heating 111 E. Rhapsody Drive, San Antonio 210-344-0060 www.tiger-services.com

HOW CAN NOT SEEKING REPAIRS IN A TIMELY FASHION AFFECT THE HOME? I think air quality is important. Especially because allergies are so prevalent in Texas, that’s one big thing that’s going to be aected outside of money, and (A/C) parts and home health. Beyond all of that, kind of the bigger issue is having the whole system in place or having the parts replaced before the warranty’s up. WHAT SHOULD HOMEOWNERS KEEP IN MIND BEFORE CALLING? The biggest thing rst is to be an informed consumer. The second thing would be getting walked through the process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

EXTERIOR

INTERIOR

1 Roofs should be inspected by a qualied roofer every three years, and skylights should be inspected so leaks do not develop. 2 Ensure downspouts and gutters do not get clogged with leaves and other debris. 3 Inspect siding each year to see if it needs repainting, and trim shrubs away so they do not touch the siding. 4 Check for split or cracked caulking on windows and doors annually, and replace the caulk as necessary. 5 Moving parts of garage doors need to be oiled once every three months.

6 Air lters require regular replacement, generally once every three months. 7 Regularly check security alarms and circuit breakers . Check batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 8 Clean each faucet’s aerator every three to four months. Maintain garbage disposals by running cold water through them. 9 Masonry walls can develop a white powder that can be scrubbed o with water and a sti brush. 10 Hardwood oors without polyurethane need to be waxed with a liquid or paste “spirit” wax. Use emulsion wax on vinyl.

PHOTOS COURTESY NORTHVIEW APARTMENT HOMES

281

SOURCE: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

STONE OAK 23026 US Hwy 281 N (210) 497-1322 DE ZAVALA 5219 De Zavala Rd (210) 561-0900

VINEYARD 1309 N Loop 1604 W (210) 408-8206

RECTOR 819 E Rector Dr (210) 340-2244

LEGACY 2003 N Loop 1604 E (210) 494-8600

CONTINUED FROM 1

Increasing values Protesting appraisals Average home values in the north central San Antonio area continue rising, although homeowners did not see the sharp increase in appraisal values this year that they saw in 2022. Appraised values by ZIP code are current as of June 30.

The Bexar Appraisal District has recorded 4%-5% increases in the number of residential property appraisal protests in the North San Antonio area between 2021 and 2023.

Number of residential properties with tax protests led

78231

78232

78248 78258 78259

987 1,164 1,186 3,101 3,712 3,826 1,280 1,663 1,650 3,693 4,542 4,618 1,943 2,543 2,449

2022 2021 2023 2022 2021 2023 2022 2021 2023 2022 2021 2023 2022 2021 2023

$600,000

+17.9%

$500,000

+19.7%

$400,000

+29.9%

Average home market value in Bexar County as of June 2022: $341,650

$300,000

+23%

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

+30.9%

SOURCE: BEXAR APPRAISAL DISTRICTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: BEXAR COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Protesting appraisals The Bohlkes said they are appeal- ing the appraisal of their 52-year-old, 1,862-square-foot home this year. Amy Bohlke said the house has not undergone any signicant renova- tions save for a few interior xes or upgrades. Popcorn ceilings and wood-grain wall paneling are among the features on the inside of the Bohlkes’ home. “It just has a lived-in look and feel,” Bohlke said. Bohlke said by protesting her

homeowners experienced sticker shock upon seeing their appraisals. Griscom said the average 28% increase in valuations in 2022 prompted protests from 178,415 homeowners—a record num- ber for the district. But home sales prices and valuations are not surging as high this year, he added. “We’re seeing things are starting to moderate. That’s one of the rea- sons why we didn’t have as many high increases this year as we did last year,” Griscom said.

appraisal, she hopes the appraisal dis- trict will better understand the char- acteristics of her home and those of her neighborhood. “I’ve seen some of these houses gutted over the years. People around me have sold homes for $400,000 but put in $200,000 in improvements. Why am I paying a premium?” Bohlke said. “My home insurance and prop- erty taxes now exceed my mortgage. At what point does it stop?”

Hollywood Park lies within ve ZIP-code area where the prelimi- nary 2023 average homestead value is $512,597—11.6% higher than the $459,482 average appraisal found among the same ve ZIP codes in 2022, according to appraisal district data. Griscom said the appraisal district received appeals from 13,624 proper- ties in the same ve ZIP codes before May 15, the appraisal district’s dead- line for taxpayers to formally le a

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2023 HOME EDITION

Tax relief BEXAR COUNTY Homestead exemption: 20%

Tax exemptions and freezes are available to North San Antonio- area homeowners. To learn more about how to apply for an exemption or freeze visit the taxing entity’s website or in Bexar County check www.bcad.org.

Calls for tax relief Griscom said homeowners have until May 15 or 30 days after they get an appraisal notice to protest their home value. Griscom said when a taxpayer les a protest, they must mark on a Bexar Appraisal District form their reason, which is usually what they believe to be an incorrect appraisal or that their home value is unequal compared with surrounding properties. Griscom also urged taxpayers to check with their respective taxing entities, such as the cities of San Antonio or Hollywood Park, to see if they are eligible to apply for available property tax relief. Several local governments recently approved tax relief measures, includ- ing San Antonio doubling its home- stead exemption from 10% to 20%. In February, Hollywood Park City Council voted 4-1 to raise the city’s senior tax exemption from $5,000 to $20,000. Despite local leaders’ concerns about how the expanded exemption could aect the town’s revenues, Council Member Glenna Pearce said residents deserve additional tax relief. “I think we’re all on the same page that we want to stay solvent and s- cally healthy, but it’s on us to also look out for our residents,” Pearce said. CITY OF SHAVANO PARK Over age 65 exemption: $5,000 Senior tax freeze year: 2004 NORTH EAST ISD Over age 65 exemption: $10,000 Disabled person exemption: $10,000 State-mandated homestead exemption: $40,000 TOWN OF HOLLYWOOD PARK Over age 65 exemption: $20,000 SOURCES: CITIES OF HILL COUNTRY VILLAGE, HOLLYWOOD PARK, SAN ANTONIO AND SHAVANO PARK; BEXAR COUNTY; NORTH EAST ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: THIS LIST IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE.

Over age 65 exemption: $50,000 Disabled person exemption: $5,000 Senior tax freeze year: 2005 CITY OF HILL COUNTRY VILLAGE Homestead exemption: 20% Over age 65 exemption: $50,000 Disabled person exemption: $50,000 CITY OF SAN ANTONIO Over age 65 exemption: $85,000 Disabled person exemption: $85,000

Homestead exemption: 20% Senior tax freeze year: 2005

protest of their 2023 market value. That number is down slightly from the 13,729 homeowners’ appeals from the same area in 2022. Countywide, total appraisal pro- test numbers this year stand at 171,572—down from 178,415 last year, Griscom said. “I’d love to see things return to nor- mal to be honest. Our protest number set records last year,” Griscom said, referring to the district receiving fewer than 140,000 protests per year Griscom said the appraisal district encourages taxpayers to protest their appraisals if they feel they have the evidence that could lead to a reduc- tion in their home values. Here, Griscom said, the appraisal district can directly educate taxpayers on what goes into assessing property values and formulate a clearer picture of the property in question. Griscom said the appraisal district is required by state law to value each property at 100% of existing market value characteristics and factor the sales prices of comparable properties in the area. “We also break the county down into what we consider comparable neighborhoods. We look at it on a granular level to determine what the market’s doing, and we adjust val- ues to the maximum in the market,” Griscom said. in 2019, 2020 and 2021. How appraisals work

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INSIDE INFO

2023 HOME EDITION

HOME

Inspections take place during the option period—a negotiable time frame during which a buyer can inspect a home, amend a contract for relevant repairs or cancel a deal—and are often sought before one-year warranties expire. INITIATING AN INSPECTION

INSPECTIONS

COMPILED BY BEN THOMPSON

One key piece of the process to buy a home is having it inspected. Community Impact spoke with the Texas Real Estate Commission and Joey O’Brien, the owner of Austin- based Inspect It, to lay out the details of the inspection process. The inspection involves a professional canvassing of a new or existing home to ensure it’s up to various building and safety standards. WHAT'S A HOME INSPECTION? Texas does not mandate that home inspections take place, but lenders may require an inspection before a purchase to secure nancing. ARE HOME INSPECTIONS REQUIRED? Professional real estate inspectors are state certied, trained and qualied to inspect homes for both buyers and sellers during a real estate transaction. WHO ARE HOME INSPECTORS?

Final negotiations and closing, or ending option

Agent helps their client searching for a new home

After nding a home, client submits an oer and signs a purchase contract

During the option period, the buyer or seller may schedule an inspection*

*UTILITIES TURNED ON PRIOR TO THE INSPECTION

FINDING AN INSPECTOR

The TREC lists all licensed inspectors, including details on education and disciplinary history, at www.trec.texas.gov.

Real estate agents can conrm licenses and provide a list of preferred inspectors. Friends and family can also provide recommendations based on past experience.

WHAT DO TEXAS REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS DO?

HAVING ISSUES?

Sales agents: handle property transactions for clients on behalf of a broker

Brokers: manage all activities of a real estate oce, overseeing agents

Appraisers: estimate property values

Inspectors: inspect real estate

Consumers may le complaints with the TREC within four years of an incident. Complaints must be written, and the commission has a stock form available to use at www.trec.texas.gov .

SOURCES: INSPECT IT AUSTIN, TEXAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION • JULY 2023

PEOPLE Grant Moody Bexar County Precinct 3 commissioner

BY EDMOND ORTIZ

TOP PRIORITIES Grant Moody, a republican, campaigned for Bexar County Commissioners Court on a handful of priorities in Precinct 3:

Boost public safety to further secure people, property and businesses by adding more sheri’s deputies to patrol neighborhoods. Reduce property tax burden by increasing local tax relief and advocating tax and appraisal reform at the county and state levels. Leverage local money with more federal and state funds to support road infrastructure and other transit-related projects. Promote responsible use of county taxpayers’ dollars with a scally conservative approach and ecient services.

Grant Moody, a republican, was elected to Bexar County Commissioners Court on Nov. 8, winning a four-year term in his rst run for public oce. He represents Precinct 3, which covers much of North San Antonio and part of unincorporated Bexar County. A Kansas native, Moody previously served 10 years with the U.S. Marine Corps as a combat pilot and is active in the U.S. Marine Reserves. In civilian life, Moody served in several executive roles at nancial services company USAA before becoming a director of innovation at Valero Energy Corp. This article has been edited for clarity and length.

HOW DID YOUR CAREER POSTMILITARY UNFOLD? I went to business school, and when I looked at what I wanted to do next within business, I had a friend from the U.S. Naval Academy who connected me with USAA in San Antonio. I knew and loved the company during my time as a member in the military. I spent the next ve years at USAA. WHAT OR WHO SPURRED YOU TO RUN FOR ELECTED OFFICE? I spent a little time on Capitol Hill in [former U.S. Rep.] Mike Pompeo’s Congressional oce. I’ve been involved in Republican Party activities and supporting some campaigns. Giving back was always something I thought was important, and [Commissioners Court] was a unique opportunity. I thought it was a great match for my business world background. I bring that business sense to local government and helping solve problems. WHAT ARE SOME INITIATIVES YOU HOPE TO PUSH AS A COUNTY COMMISSIONER? I would say that the lay of the land is always changing, and there’s

always new issues that are being brought to our attention, and we’re trying to address those in real time. If we can stay focused on some of those priorities, then a lot of the work that we do falls underneath one or more of those. WHAT ARE A COUPLE OF AREAS YOU WANT TO FOCUS ON? Everything we do at the county jail, with the sheri’s oce, our constables and our courts—I think that all falls underneath public safety. All those need to be inte- grated and work eectively and eciently to have a safe, secure community. Another thing is prop- erty taxes. There’s something about tightening our belts and making sure we spend on things that should be priorities. Then there’s the other side when it comes to dealing with homestead exemptions and work- ing with other taxing authorities to try to bring down their taxes. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU ARE DOING DIFFERENTLY THAN YOUR PREDECESSORS? I can’t speak for how previous commissioners operated in oce or

their teams, or what their priorities were. We are our own team. We have our own priorities. We’re try- ing to be as responsive as we can to constituent concerns. I do think the kind of background experience I’ve had at USAA and Valero provides a unique perspective for me in terms of trying to solve problems and not just talk about them. I don’t know if that’s unique across the board or not, but I think it’s an approach that I’m trying to bring to the table. WHAT ARE SOME ACHIEVE MENTS IN YOUR FIRST FEW MONTHS IN OFFICE? We were able to broker a deal to get 62 new additional law enforcement ocers to patrol our streets. We also were very active in defeating Proposition A, which 73% of voters opposed in the May election. We were out there bringing together dierent groups—business, community, law enforcement, conservatives and others. Business owners across the community understood the risk associated with decriminalizing theft, vandalism and grati if Prop A had passed.

Grant Moody (second from the left) attends a May 10 groundbreaking for Kiddie Academy on West Hausman Road. COURTESY GRANT MOODY

STAY IN CONTACT Physical/mailing address: 101 W. Nueva St., Ste. 1007, San Antonio, Texas 78205 210-335-2613 www.bexar.org/954/

precinct-3-commissioner-grant-moody Oce hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sat.-Sun. and county holidays

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